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Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Balls With Thyme Honey Drizzle

Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Balls with Thyme Honey

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Introduction

Add a touch of elegance to your holiday table with Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Balls. These creamy bites combine tangy goat cheese and smooth cream cheese, rolled in a festive mix of tart cranberries and crunchy almonds. A drizzle of thyme-infused honey elevates the flavor profile, while rosemary and whole cranberries make for a visually stunning presentation. Whether served as an appetizer or a centerpiece for your cheese board, these cheese balls are sure to delight your guests.

Ingredients

Cheese Balls

  • 8 oz goat cheese, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted almonds, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Thyme Honey Drizzle

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Garnish

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Whole cranberries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, and parsley.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well-blended.

2. Shape the Cheese Balls

  1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter.
  2. Repeat with the remaining mixture to create approximately 12-14 cheese balls.

3. Roll in Coatings

  1. Combine the chopped cranberries and almonds in a shallow dish.
  2. Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-almond mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres evenly.

4. Make the Thyme Honey Drizzle

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey with the thyme leaves for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain out the thyme leaves if you prefer a smooth drizzle.

5. Serve

  1. Arrange the coated cheese balls on a serving platter.
  2. Drizzle with the thyme-infused honey.
  3. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for a festive touch.

Helpful Tips

1. Use Softened Cheese

Let both the goat cheese and cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.

2. Chill for Firmness

If the cheese balls are too soft to handle, refrigerate them for 30 minutes before rolling them in the cranberry-almond mixture.

3. Finely Chop Ingredients

Finely chop the cranberries and almonds to create a uniform coating, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance of tart and nutty flavors.

4. Infuse Honey Slowly

Warm the honey gently with thyme leaves to extract the herb’s flavor without burning. A low heat setting works best.

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5. Plan for Presentation

Use fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries as garnish to create a beautiful, festive display.

Substitutions and Variations

Cheese Alternatives

  • Replace goat cheese with cream cheese, or mix feta and cream cheese for a tangier option.
  • Use ricotta or mascarpone for a milder, creamier texture.

Coating Options

  • Swap almonds with pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
  • For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Fruit Substitutes

  • Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.
  • Add a touch of sweetness with dried figs or a tart flavor with dried blueberries.

Herb Variations

  • Use rosemary or sage instead of thyme for the honey drizzle.
  • Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or cinnamon for a warm, festive note.

Vegan Option

  • Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Replace cream cheese and goat cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the cheese balls up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the honey drizzle just before serving for the freshest presentation.

2. What type of nuts work best?

While almonds are recommended, you can also use pecans, walnuts, or pistachios. Each provides a unique flavor profile. For nut-free options, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

3. How do I keep the cheese balls firm?

If the cheese mixture becomes too soft while shaping, refrigerate the balls for 30 minutes to firm up before rolling them in the coating.

4. Can I omit the honey drizzle?

Yes! If you prefer, skip the honey drizzle or replace it with a vegan alternative like maple syrup or agave nectar.

5. Can I use a different herb for the honey?

Certainly. Substitute thyme with rosemary, sage, or even basil for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Balls with Thyme Honey Drizzle are a sophisticated addition to any holiday gathering. Combining creamy, tangy cheese with the tartness of cranberries, the crunch of almonds, and the subtle sweetness of herb-infused honey, they strike the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With simple substitutions, they can accommodate dietary preferences, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer for your festive celebrations.

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